From CAD $10,349 Was CAD $13,799
Guarantee
Small Group
Light
Rating
(30 reviews)
Experience Overview
No one should ever have to choose between adventuring across Australia or New Zealand — so we created this 29-day tour that hits the highlights of both. Featuring guided walks through the Daintree Rainforest, a Doubtful Sound day-cruise in Fiordland National Park, a cultural experience and visit to a Maori village, and heaps of other awesome experiences, this tour is proof you really can have the best of both worlds. Well, countries. But you get what we mean.
Highlights
- Follow an Indigenous guide through the Daintree Rainforest
- Spend the day boating around the scenic Whitsundays
- Hike and stay overnight in the Blue Mountains
- Cruise around the fjords of Doubtful Sound in Fiordland National Park
- Soak in the scenery of Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park
- Discover Maori culture at a hangi meal
Trip Details
Product Code: 2643
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Budget
Transport: Private vehicle, plane, boat, walking
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Classic
Supplier Code: OAQC
Starts: Cairns, Australia
Finishes: Christchurch, New Zealand
Duration: 29 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Light
Includes
Activities
- Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Your Discover Moment: Franz Josef Your Discover Moment: Queenstown
- Indigenous led Walk at Mossman Gorge
- Whitsunday Islands Boating Excursion
- Barrier Reef Visit
- Blue Mountains Excursion
- Byron Bay surf lesson
- Jamison Valley Walk
- Blue Mountains Scenic Railway
- Winery Visit
- Waitomo Glowworm Caves
- Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise
- Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Visit
- Internal flights
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodation
- Hotels/motels (26nts), Rainforest cabin (2nts).
- 13 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
Transport
- Private vehicle, plane, boat, walking
Group Leader
- Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $10349 (CAD $357 /day)
Itinerary
Day 1: Cairns
Arrive at any time.
There are no activities planned until the evening welcome meeting.
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.Accommodation - Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns
Day 2: Cairns/Cape Tribulation
Head north to Cape Tribulation. Stop en route to explore Mossman Gorge and take an interpretive walk through the Daintree Rainforest.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Travel 1.5 hrs to Mossman Gorge. Later, continue 2 hrs to Cape Tribulation.Activity - Take an interpretive walk through the Daintree Rainforest. Follow an Indigenous guide and learn about bush food, medicinal plants and the lasting relationship of the Kuku Yalanji people with their natural environment. Find out how to make bush soap, watch an ochre painting demonstration and sample some bush tea.Accommodation - Cape Tribulation Beach House
Day 3: Cape Tribulation
With a free day, opt for a trip to the Great Barrier Reef or to explore Daintree National Park.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Head out and start exploring.Accommodation - Cape Tribulation Beach House
Day 4: Cape Tribulation/Cairns
Return to Cairns in the afternoon with free time to explore this laid-back city. En route, stop by Port Douglas and opt to have lunch at a local market.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Free_time - Make the most of a few hours in this city.Accommodation - Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns
Day 5: Cairns/Airlie Beach
Depart early for a full day of travel to reach Airlie Beach, enjoying scenic views along the way.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Whitsunday Vista Holiday Apartments
Day 6: Airlie Beach
Spend the day out on the water boating around the Whitsunday Islands, visiting the Great Barrier Reef. Opt to swim or snorkel, and hike to an island lookout over Whitehaven Beach, known for its stunning white sand. Return to Airlie Beach for the night.
Meals included: Lunch
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Enjoy a day out on the water amidst some of the 74 tropical islands that make up the Whitsunday archipelago. Visit Whitehaven Beach, jump overboard for a quick refreshing dip, and make friends with the tropical fish that thrive within Australia's Great Barrier Reef.Activity - The Whitsunday Islands are in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Spend the day out on a boat cruising through the waters around the islands. Then, when it gets too hot, pull on a mask and snorkel and dive overboard to check out the variety of brightly coloured marine plants, coral and fish that thrive right in these warm tropical waters.Accommodation - Whitsunday Vista Holiday Apartments
Day 7: Airlie Beach/Byron Bay
Fly to Brisbane and transfer to Byron Bay for two nights in this "hippie" paradise.
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Byron Beachcomber
Day 8: Byron Bay
Spend a free morning exploring Byron or opt to prebook a kayaking tour. In the afternoon, you'll head to the beach for a surf lesson with a trained surf instructor. Enjoy a few hours of instruction before hitting the waves for some practice rides.
Pre-book the "Byron Bay Ocean Kayaking" activity on the checkout page ahead of time to include this optional experience on your tour.
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Hit the beach and get ready to hang ten with a surf lesson from trained surf instructors. Spend some time in the water getting friendly with the waves, practice paddling, then pop up to balance on the wider, softer beginner boards. Too easy.Accommodation - Byron Beachcomber
Day 9: Byron Bay/Port Macquarie
Spend the morning wandering the town checking out the local shops or having one last coffee on the beach before heading to the coastal township of Port Macquarie, featuring all the beauty of the beach set alongside gorgeous national parks. Enjoy an evening in Port Macquarie.
Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Get out and explore this lazy beach town.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - El Motor Inn Port Macquarie
Day 10: Port Macquarie/Blue Mountains
Travel from Port Macquarie to the Blue Mountains today. These mountains in Australia are best known for their soaring sandstone ridges. As you drive, pass by charming mountain towns, ancient Aboriginal rock art, lush green valleys, and loads of craggy cliffs. It doesn't matter if the journey is shrouded in clouds or glowing in the sinking sun, you'll still spot beauty around every turn.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Leisure Inn Spires
Day 11: Blue Mountains
Travel deeper into the majestic Blue Mountains and experience the natural beauty of this World Heritage Area. Explore the landscape around Leura and Katoomba, view the Three Sisters, take a walk in Jamison Valley, and ride on the Scenic Railway, the steepest railway in the world.
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - With charming Leura as your base, explore the major attractions of the Blue Mountains from sightseeing to bushwalking to cafés and more.Activity - Take in some amazing lookouts over the Jamison Valley, via the iconic Three Sisters. Descend down the 900 step giant staircase to the valley floor. Walk amongst the beautiful forest to the steepest incline railway in the world — The Katoomba Scenic Railway. Opt to ride its 52-degrees angle or take the Scenic Cableway. If you're keen for more walking, and time permitting, take the 900 stairs back up.Activity - This railway is steep and plunges into the rainforest and through the valley. The ride is scenically stunning. At the end, opt to take a rainforest walk or a cable car back to the visitor's centre.Accommodation - Leisure Inn Spires
Day 12: Blue Mountains/Sydney
This morning, leave the Blue Mountains behind and continue onward to Sydney. Once you arrive head out for an orientation walk before taking advantage of some free time to keep exploring. Opt to rent a bike, stroll the botanical gardens, or visit the iconic Opera House.
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Discover the highlights of Sydney on an orientation walk with the CEO. They will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.Free_time - Get out and explore.Accommodation - Rydges Sydney Central
Day 13: Sydney
Get a feel for the city. Relax seaside at Bondi Beach. Enjoy an optional night out with the group.
Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Enjoy a free day to explore one of Australia's most exciting cities.Accommodation - Rydges Sydney Central
Day 14: Sydney/Auckland
Say goodbye to Australia and hop on a flight to Auckland, New Zealand. After transferring from the airport, enjoy some free time to explore this vibrant city.
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.Accommodation - Oaks Auckland Hotel
Day 15: Auckland
Enjoy a free day to explore Auckland. Visit the Maritime Museum, walk the waterfront, or even take the ferry to Waiheke Island.
Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Enjoy the city or choose from the many day excursions available.Accommodation - Oaks Auckland Hotel
Day 16: Auckland/Rotorua
Drive to the lakeside town of Rotorua, situated over an active geothermal zone and known for its volcanic features and rich Maori heritage. Stop en route at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Take a boat ride through this spectacular underground realm to see thousands of flickering glowworms light up in the dark.
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Enjoy a peaceful boat ride through 30 million year old caverns covered with magical glowworms that are unique to New Zealand. Hundreds of thousands of these tiny creatures radiate luminescent light in underground caves carved by rivers and time. Take in more than 136 years of cultural and natural history on this unique excursion.Accommodation - Sudima Lake Rotorua
Day 17: Rotorua
Visit Rotorua and opt to check out the geothermal area or go whitewater rafting. In the evening visit a Maori village for traditional ceremonies, a Hangi meal and entertainment.
Rotorua sits over an active volcanic zone with bubbling mud pits and multi-coloured pools in different areas around the town. Opt to visit one of the sites, or go whitewater rafting nearby.
Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Visit the Mitai Maori Village and learn the migration story of Tamatekapua of the Te Arawa canoe to Aotearoa and the Maori Pacifica connection told in dance form. Enjoy a delicious Hangi meal, similar to a Hawaiian Luau, with dishes such as chicken, sweet potato (kumara) and lamb steamed over heated rocks.Free_time - Enjoy free time to visit the geothermal sites around town.Accommodation - Sudima Lake Rotorua
Day 18: Rotorua/Wellington
Take in the ever-changing scenery of the North Island and travel to the capital, Wellington.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Naumi Studio Hotel Wellington
Day 19: Wellington
Enjoy the atmosphere in this relaxed but lively city. After an orientation walk, enjoy a free day to explore. Opt to visit the Te Papa Museum or take the cable car up to the botanical gardens.
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.Free_time - Spend some time exploring the city. Accommodation - Naumi Studio Hotel Wellington
Day 20: Wellington/Kaikoura
Fly to the South Island and travel to the seaside town of Kaikoura, known for its diverse marine life. Stop en route for a wine tasting at a local winery.
Meals included: Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Stop at a local winery and opt to sample some of the wines produced on site. Transport - Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - The White Morph
Day 21: Kaikoura/Hanmer Springs
Enjoy a free morning in Kaikoura. Opt to go on a whale watching tour and search for giant sperm whales. Or head out on a tour to swim in the open ocean in a place often visited by wild dolphins. In the afternoon, travel to Hanmer Springs. Opt to take a soak in the hot springs.
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Drifters Inn Hanmer Springs
Day 22: Hanmer Springs/Franz Josef
Take in the stunning scenery while travelling across the Southern Alps to the rugged and remote West Coast, before staying in the rainforest near the world's fastest moving glacier.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Stretch out and scan the scenery from the comfort of a private vehicle. Driving time includes stops.Accommodation - Rainforest Retreat
Day 23: Franz Josef
Enjoy a free day to explore the area around Franz Josef. Opt to explore the glacier with a heli hike.
There are plenty of optional activities in the area to suit just about any budget and preference. Try heli hiking, scenic helicopter flights, skydiving or lake kayaking.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Don't waste a minute—get exploring.Accommodation - Rainforest Retreat
Day 24: Franz Josef/Queenstown
Continue to Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world. With beautiful scenery and tons of activities, there's something for everyone. Enjoy the great night life.
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Heartland Hotel Queenstown
Day 25: Queenstown
With free time here, opt to go bungee jumping (in its birthplace), jet boating (also born here!), skydiving or hiking. Or take it a little slower and travel by gondola to the top of a local peak.
Opt to pre-book the "Queenstown Jet Boating" activity on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - There's tons to do, get out and get going.Accommodation - Heartland Hotel Queenstown
Day 26: Queenstown
Enjoy the stunning scenery of Fiordland National Park and Doubtful Sound on a day cruise. Take in the waterfalls and wildlife, then return to Queenstown for the night.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Stretch out and scan the scenery from the comfort of a private vehicle. Driving time includes stops.Activity - Cruise through the stunning Doubtful Sound, one of the most untouched, remote places in the world. The only way to get here is by boat across Lake Manapouri, then bus across Wilmot Pass to Doubtful Sound. Marvel at the steep cliff walls and cascading waterfalls, and keep an eye out for area wildlife: dolphins, penguins, seals, and a variety of birds. This isolated part of New Zealand is truly a special place!Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Heartland Hotel Queenstown
Day 27: Queenstown to Tekapo
Travel north through the centre of the South Island to Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, named after New Zealand's highest peak. Spend the afternoon hiking the region, taking in the alpine scenery. Learn more about mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary at the Visitor's Centre, before a short but scenic journey to Tekapo Village.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Stop by the visitor's centre to learn more about the region.Activity - Aoraki/Mount Cook is both a village, a national park and the name of New Zealand's highest mountain. Located in central South Island, the park includes a mix of rocks and glaciers, as well as alpine plants including the world's largest buttercup, the Mount Cook lily. There are several short walks that reward with spectacular views.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Godley Hotel
Day 28: Tekapo to Christchurch
Continue on to Christchurch and take in an orientation walk with your CEO. Enjoy one final night together with the group.
Travel to the Garden City of Christchurch, a little piece of England in New Zealand, still recovering from a devastating earthquake.
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.Free_time - Enjoy a last night out.Accommodation - Bealey Quarter
Day 29: Christchurch
Depart at any time.
Meals included: Breakfast
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Tour Operator
G Adventures
G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.
In Business Since 1990
Reviews
Max D. - Traveled, November 2023
The group and the organisation was incredible and our tour guides were great
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/21/2023
Brigitte L. - Traveled, November 2023
Travelling with G allows peace of mind, there are no worries about transportation or accommodations. There are planned activities with the group which are usually like minded people and there is free time to plan your own thing.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/07/2023
Richard L. - Traveled, November 2023
We find there is a good mix of planned activities and free time. Accommodations are usually clean and comfortable.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/07/2023
Joy H. - Traveled, November 2023
While your style of travel is very attractive to me, there are those I know who would rather travel independently, or in more luxury. I would encourage them to try G, but realize it's not for everyone.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/07/2023
Hayley K. - Traveled, November 2023
I think the demographic of the group can impact enjoyment and there are a couple of tweaks to the itinerary that could have been improved
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/07/2023
David H. - Traveled, November 2023
We have travelled with G several times and it has always been a positive, meaningful and enlightening experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/07/2023
Lindy S. - Traveled, October 2023
These G trips are mostly good value for money spent, variety of activities, small groups
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/30/2023
Joley S. - Traveled, October 2023
the guides and tours are great but the before trip documentation could be improved. Also When I want to check on my flights that you have booked I want to talk to the air staff but not by email.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/30/2023
George S. - Traveled, October 2023
too much bus travel
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/30/2023
Lorraine K. - Traveled, October 2023
The CEO.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/23/2023
Lawrence H. - Traveled, October 2023
Most of the itinerary was handled well by the CEO ..
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/16/2023
Judith H. - Traveled, October 2023
Local guides and all organized No need to drive in foreign countries. Itinerary but free time as well.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/16/2023
Michelle S. - Traveled, October 2023
well organised and friendly staff
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/16/2023
Louise d. - Traveled, October 2023
Consistent quality tours
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/16/2023
Cathy M. - Traveled, October 2023
Several reasons. 1 Both CEOs were amazing. Very skilled and responsive to the needs of the group.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/16/2023
Janice H. - Traveled, October 2023
I am always looking for small group adventures. G offers tours that appeal to that size. They have proven themselves to offer interesting tours that take in unusual places often away from the heavily touristed areas.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/16/2023
Deirdre K. - Traveled, September 2023
The tour guide in Australia Graham
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/26/2023
Donna T. - Traveled, September 2023
Good balance of planned activities and personal choice activities.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/19/2023
Larry C. - Traveled, September 2023
The small travel group size and we had some free time to explore on our own.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/19/2023
Rebecca F. - Traveled, September 2023
I had a very positive experience on this tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/19/2023
Abby W. - Traveled, September 2023
Because G Adventures is something I have done and something I have highly enjoyed and would recommend others looking into it if they wish to
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/19/2023
Karen H. - Traveled, September 2023
I have travelled with g before and I would definitely recommend g again
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/19/2023
Araceli V. - Traveled, July 2023
I had such a wonderful experience I wish for them the same.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/17/2023
Shoshana S. - Traveled, June 2024
Great trip with interesting places to go
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/20/2024
Michael J. - Traveled, June 2024
This tour was great but it was not what we had hoped for. We should have signed up for just 15 days instead of the 29.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/20/2024
Brittany M. - Traveled, June 2024
I think that this type of traveling is for specific types of people. While some of my family members would be good with this, the other would struggle and might ruin the experience of other passengers
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/20/2024
Alan G. - Traveled, June 2024
if you're gonna travel, you can't go wrong with 'G' .......... love the CEO!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/20/2024
Joseph S. - Traveled, May 2024
Size of group being 16
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/22/2024
Jessica D. - Traveled, April 2024
a few issues with Australia and New Zealand tours.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/25/2024
Nina P. - Traveled, March 2024
it was spectacular. guide, sam, in australia, and amy, in new zealand, went above and beyond, and became our friends. Amy, without anyone asking her to, put up a happy birthday banner for me, planned a birthday dinner, and ran around looking for a cake. The sights we saw were wonderful, the trip was well planned, few little glitches, but overall, an amazing experience for my dream vacation.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/27/2024
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